Types of Anxiety Disorder Medication

Medicines can be a useful instrument to manage anxiety symptoms. Psychologists are trained in the prescription and use of medications. They can prescribe the correct medication to minimize the adverse effects.

Treatment for anxiety disorders is typically three-pronged, which includes psychotherapy, medication and exercise. SSRIs are the first-choice medications to treat anxiety, however they can take several weeks for them to be effective.

SSRIs

Most anxiety disorders are treated with SSRIs. The latest SSRIs are less likely to cause adverse reactions than older tricyclics and monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants. There are a variety of SSRIs have been approved by FDA to treat generalized anxiety disorder. This includes fluoxetine (aka Prozac), paraxetine, (aka Paxil), and sertraline (aka Zoloft), as and citalopram (aka Celexa).

These drugs boost serotonin levels in the brain and may also help to increase norepinephrine and BDNF. They can be utilized in conjunction with psychotherapy or alone. SSRIs can cause nausea or digestive problems, but these side effects usually subside as the body gets used to the medication.

The precise mechanism of the action of SSRIs on anxiety isn't well known. It is believed that SSRIs block serotonin reuptake in post-synaptic neurons, and increase the concentration serotonin within the synaptic gaps. This increases the signaling across the synapses and reduces anxiety symptoms.

In addition to reducing anxiety, SSRIs may reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. They can also be employed to treat depression and other mental conditions that are often associated with anxiety disorders. They can be used with cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy to increase their effectiveness.

In contrast to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs do not appear to be addictive. It is still important to follow the prescription of your doctor. If you stop taking your medication abruptly it could trigger "discontinuation syndrome" and a return of anxiety-related symptoms.

If SSRIs are not working for you, then your doctor might suggest an alternative class of antidepressants, such as nefazodone, mirtazapine. These medications are also very effective, but carry a higher risk of adverse reactions than the more recent SSRIs.

SSRIs can interact with certain foods, including eggs, red meat, dairy, and some fruits and vegetables. If you are taking these medications it is a good idea to avoid these foods. Additionally it is recommended that you do not drink alcohol while taking SSRIs because this can cause more severe adverse effects.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines improve the calming effect of certain chemicals in the nervous system and brain. They enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which inhibits the nerves' activity. These drugs are effective in treating insomnia, anxiety and other psychological disorders. However they can be addictive and should only be used for short periods of time under medical supervision. Benzos can be dangerous when used in a recreational manner, or when mixed anxiety and depressive disorder with alcohol and other substances.

The use of medication is often the first thing that people seek out when they're suffering from an anxiety disorder However, they're not the only option for treatment. Psychotherapy or talk therapy has also been proven to be an effective way to reduce anxiety disorder symptoms. There are many psychotherapies that can aid however the most well-known and effective one is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This kind of therapy helps you to change your thinking and behavior so that you feel less anxious.

Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clorazepate, lorazepam and quazepam are the most commonly used benzodiazepines. Each one has its own set of side effects, although they all share similar properties in pharmacology. Clorazepate, for example is more effective at treating seizure disorders compared to other benzodiazepines. Lorazepam, on other hand, is better in treating anxiety disorder best medication disorders when in comparison to the quazepam.

Benzodiazepines are very effective but they should not be used for long periods of time because they can cause tolerance and physical dependence. They can also trigger withdrawal symptoms, such as an increase in heart rate, sweating, and shaking, if you suddenly stop taking them. Symptoms can be very unpleasant and can last for several weeks, but they can be slowed down by gradually reducing the medication.

Benzodiazepines can be extremely addictive and should be used only for a brief period of time. In general, not more than four weeks. You will need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing closely during this time so that you do not have an extremely severe reaction. Consult your physician when you're considering taking a benzoodiazepine.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are an type of medication that can help to treat anxiety symptoms. These medications stop adrenaline from binding to beta receptors in your nervous system, which prevents the hormone from triggering physical reactions like heart palpitations and tremors. These drugs are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions of the cardiovascular system however they can be prescribed for off-label use in the case of anxiety.

When you feel anxious your body releases a chemical known as Adrenaline. This chemical signals the body to prepare itself to fight or flee. Adrenaline binds beta receptors in the brain and the heart and causes your heart to beat faster and causing other physical reactions. Beta-blockers, which are an class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension and other heart conditions they work by preventing the adrenaline binding which reduces the heart rate and blood pressure.

Beta-blockers work quickly, unlike SSRIs or benzodiazepines, which require weeks or even months to show an improvement in symptoms. This makes them a good option for people who need immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms like those who must give an address in public or travel on a plane. In addition, they are a good choice for people who have both anxiety and a chronic anxiety disorder heart issue like congestive heart failure or atherosclerosis.

Beta-blockers may reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, but they don't address the root causes. They are only prescribed in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and counseling. However, they can be a useful option for people who have tried other medications for anxiety and have not found them to be effective or to cause unacceptable side effects.

There are a variety of different kinds of beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol. Your doctor will decide the best med for generalized anxiety disorder beta-blocker for you depending on your medical background and current health status. These medications can cause adverse effects, such as fatigue or low blood pressure. It is important to discuss your options with your physician.

MAOIs

Developed in the 1950s, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective antidepressants for some depression and anxiety disorders. They aren't as widely used as SSRIs and other antidepressants because of the strict dietary restrictions that are required and the potential for drug interactions. Some MAOIs are taken orally in tablet form while others (such as Emsam) are available in the form of a transdermal patch that's applied to the skin every day.

MAOIs block the action of MAO and increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in sleep, mood appetite, sexual function. MAOIs can reduce anxiety. However, they are more likely to trigger side effects than TCAs and SSRIs and carry warnings on suicide in a box.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medicines or treatments to manage your symptoms, in addition to the MAOIs below. For instance, a beta blocker (such as propranolol) is usually prescribed to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor may also suggest an exercise routine or other at-home treatments to help ease your symptoms.

Iproniazid was the first MAOI discovered in 1952 while conducting research on tuberculosis. It was soon discovered to have mood-elevating qualities and is considered the original antidepressant drug. Typically, MAOIs are used when other antidepressants don't perform, as they could cause serious adverse reactions that require immediate medical attention.

If you take an MAOI and consume foods containing Tyramine, a chemical found in a variety of cheeses, red meats, fish, shellfish, and some dietary supplements, it could trigger a dangerous reaction that results in high blood pressure. Symptoms of this severe reaction include a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. MAOIs can also interact with other drugs for generalized anxiety disorder and cause extreme adverse effects, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Before prescribing MAOIs to you, your doctor will discuss with you what foods to avoid. They will instruct you to avoid eating food items that contain tyramine when you are taking the medication. He or she will also provide the list of foods that are safe to consume when taking MAOIs. This food guide can help you to avoid MAOI-related symptoms.